Miramar Needs Time On Details Of Land Purchase

October 30, 1998|By DIEGO BUNUEL Staff Writer

Miramar city commissioners were expected to vote during a special session Thursday night on what would be the city's largest land purchase: a 52-acre, $17 million plot of land in Miramar, where shops, restaurants and a government center are envisioned.

But commissioners tabled the ordinance on the purchase to buy more time to discuss the details of the land deal. Instead, they voted on an ordinance spelling out specifics on how the land purchase would be financed.

Commissioners hope the new development would become an upscale downtown area in the image of Las Olas Riverfront.

The land, at Miramar Parkway about one-quarter mile east of Interstate 75, would be the anchor of the downtown project. Commissioners are debating whether to buy 12 acres for a new city hall and civic center, and an adjacent 40 acres to sell to Broward County for a regional government center.

Plans call for the city to pay $11 million for the 52 acres owned by Dr. Harold Dubner. That includes $9.6 million for 40 acres for the county and $1.4 million for the proposed city complex.

The city plans to sell the 40 acres to Broward County for $5.5 million _ $4.1 million less than its cost _ to lure the county to the area and create the megaplex.